Arsenal’s loss is Man City’s gain as key transfer could lead to historic WSL and Premier League title double

For a moment last season, it undoubtedly regarded as though Man Metropolis were going to gain both the Premier League and the WSL.

But on the last hurdle, the club fell looking out securing a fleshy dominance over English football’s top tiers.

In the demolish, it was a trot-up to Arsenal and some sheer genius from Emma Hayes that intended Man Metropolis had to settle for 2d as their look forward to a distinguished WSL trophy since 2016 was extended by yet one more year. 

“I assume all of it comes down to fine margins,” Metropolis winger Lauren Hemp told talkSPORT, while reflecting on last season at a KP Snacks All and sundry In match at Cheetham Hill Sports Membership in Manchester

“I assume you most most doubtless can seek attend at so many games and assume, where we essentially could gain scored extra targets, could gain saved a lead and things handle that. 

“But, handle I said, within the demolish, it comes down to fine margins. And on the demolish of the day, it came down to that last game and we correct didn’t put together to gain. And, yes, it was unfortunate.

“I mean, it peaceable hurts, but we have bought a brand modern season to hopefully put aside things correct. And, yes, we have bought a brand modern probability to make a selection up titles. And hopefully with a important community of avid gamers that we have bought, we will be in a region to walk on and attain that.”

The bottom line remains that Man Metropolis seek handle the probably contenders to knock defending champions Chelsea off their perch this season. 

They’ve an immensely stacked squad, a devoted fanbase and a form of play that gets the job performed (as a rule). 

With a club handle Chelsea within the league, Man Metropolis could gain to be faultless within the event that they are to walk one greater than last year. 

The supervisor: Gareth Taylor

Ragged striker Gareth Taylor enjoyed a 20-year-profession as a player, that contains for aspects including Crystal Palace, Man Metropolis and Nottingham Wooded discipline.

This is the first managerial job that the Wales worldwide has taken on, and he did lead Metropolis to victory within the League Cup in 2022. 

Stress will no query ramp up now for him to arena for the WSL title again and a facet this talented will doubtless be anticipated to bring home some silverware, as successfully as to create a respectable flee in Europe.

Taylor signed a brand modern three-year contract with Man Metropolis in March, months earlier than the WSL title slipped out their hands – however the deal also rewards the truth they’re going to now be playing Champions League football again. 

Well-known person player: Bunny Shaw 

This one is up for debate, and they positively gain better than a few candidates – hastily winger Lauren Hemp, stalwart defender Alex Greenwood and midfield maestro Yui Hasegawa all deserve an honourable display right here. 

But it cannot be a coincidence that Manchester City lost Shaw to injury – and then subsequently lost control of the title from a winning position.

The Jamaican striker, who got her nickname as a youngster because of her love of carrots, used to have to sneak off to play football as a child against the wishes of her parents. 

And the world of football could not be more thankful that she did. 

She recently captained Jamaica to the Round of 16 at the Women’s World Cup, with the side becoming the first ever Jamaican team from – men’s or women’s – to make it to that stage. 

The 2023/24 Golden Boot winner then scored 21 targets in 18 WSL appearances last season and became the facet’s all-time top goalscorer within the course of. 

She broke her foot a few games from the demolish of the season and could handiest glimpse on as Metropolis dropped all three parts to Arsenal in a game which within the demolish trace them the title.

But put aside a query to her to attend with a vengeance this season as she appears to add a WSL trophy to her many particular person accolades. 

One to glimpse: Vivianne Miedema

Could it be anybody else?

Vivianne Miedema’s cross from rivals Arsenal has been one of the ideal transfers within the history of the WSL, if handiest because it has left Gunners fan questioning how their club could perhaps gain let her walk. 

The forward is the all-time top-goalscorer within the league and as England megastar Hemp has told talkSPORT, her modern teammates already can’t look forward to her to make a selection up stuck into existence on the club.

“She’s performed many special things for Arsenal and we’re hoping she’ll attain the precise associated, if no longer extra, for Manchester Metropolis,” said Hemp. “And, yes, I mean, it is going to be a important opening fixture as successfully against Arsenal on the Emirates. So, yes, it’s huge to gain her on the group. I’ve regarded up to her for so many years. She’s a fantastic player.”

She has struggled with distress over most modern seasons, sustaining a dreaded ACL distress in leisurely 2022. 

And though her return to action has taken time, she showed glimpses of her handiest create last season – and this appears handle this stands out as the season where she returns to greatness. 

Man Metropolis seemed to be missing one thing in their hunt for the title last season – they could correct gain chanced on it within the create of Miedema. 

Transfer window

Miedema is indisputably the large incoming right here, but they gain got lost a few names too. 

Ex-England skipper Steph Houghton retired from football last season, and most modern England defender Esme Morgan also left the club to head stateside.

Demi Stokes has left for an ambition Newcastle side in the second-tier, meanwhile Risa Rimizu headlines three new Japanese recruits.

Ellie Roebuck, the keeper who had already been pushed down the pecking whisper due to the heroics of the 20-year-weak Khiara Keating, has also departed to join Spanish giants Barcelona.